Do you want to see ‘Purple Rain’?

Purple Rain (1984)

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Average Rating: 6.3/10
Reviews Counted: 31
Fresh: 23 | Rotten: 8

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.3/5
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Movie Info

Purple Rain, the first starring film for Prince, is the story of an arrogant, young black singer, born and raised in Minneapolis, who reaches the pinnacle of stardom. The dramatic complications include "The Kid's" (Prince) miserable home life, where he suffers the brutalities of his father (well played by Clarence Williams III) and the youth's efforts to win the love of the beautiful Apollonia. Despite the misogynistic undercurrents in Purple Rain, the film's biggest fans were young women.

R, 1 hr. 51 min.

Drama, Romance, Musical & Performing Arts

Directed By: Albert Magnoli

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1984 Wide

On DVD: Aug 24, 2004

Warner Home Video

Purple Rain Trailer & Photos

Cast

Critic Reviews for Purple Rain

All Critics (35) | Top Critics (5) | Fresh (26) | Rotten (8) | DVD (20)

It's probably best to think of the film as an extended music video, a watershed moment for movie sound tracks, and not much more.

July 29, 2009 Full Review Source: Arizona Republic

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Bill Goodykoontz

Arizona Republic

Top Critic

worth a rental for the curious and is a keeper for his fans

March 22, 2011 Full Review Source: Old School Reviews

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews Source: Old School Reviews

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called Purple Rain--the Citizen Kane of Minnesota movies and a worldwide showcase for the ascendance of its then-26-year-old star into rock 'n' roll eternity.

August 27, 2009 Full Review Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

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Rob Nelson

City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul Source: City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

It helps to remember that Purple Rain is a much better music video than it is a personal drama. (HD-DVD Edition)

July 21, 2007 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

...there is so much good music involved...it easily distracts one's mind from the clunky histrionics.

July 21, 2007 Full Review Source: Movie Metropolis

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John J. Puccio

Movie Metropolis

The musical performances are memorable, everything else is forgettable

June 23, 2005 Comment

Rob Thomas

Capital Times (Madison, WI)

Bland Prince vehicle that takes itself far too seriously.

May 28, 2005 Comment

Steve Crum

Kansas City Kansan Source: Kansas City Kansan

intriguingly well-told story

April 6, 2005 Comment

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Those who are looking for a two-hour music video with a coherent story will not be disappointed.

November 6, 2004 Comment

Douglas Pratt

DVDLaser

The performers have a bit of a wink behind their performances, and so the artificiality meshes together neatly.

September 13, 2004 Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid

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Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Purple Rain shares a trump card--its set list--with casual Prince fans, who are advised to reach for the soundtrack album instead.

August 26, 2004 Full Review Source: Film Freak Central

| Comment

Bill Chambers

Film Freak Central

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Audience Reviews for Purple Rain

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Obviously the music and watching Prince perform it is the only good thing about the film.Update: Prince's live performances are legendary, "Computer Blue" is sick

March 6, 2008

Lenny Muggsy

Super Reviewer

Classic stuff.

May 15, 2007

Tim Salmons

Super Reviewer

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